Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario (2021)

This page documents the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Ontario, Canada during the year 2021. It outlines key events, policy changes, public health measures, and significant trends related to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants.

January 2021:

• January 1: Ontario begins its COVID-19 vaccination program, prioritizing healthcare workers and long-term care residents.
• January 12: A province-wide stay-at-home order is implemented, along with a declaration of a second provincial emergency, in response to rising case numbers and hospitalizations. Non-essential businesses are ordered to close, and restrictions are placed on gatherings.
• January 21: The Ontario government extends the stay-at-home order and declares a state of emergency for an additional 28 days.
• January 25: Schools across the province remain closed for in-person learning, with virtual learning continuing.

February 2021:

• February 8: A gradual reopening plan is announced, with regions transitioning back to the colour-coded framework depending on their COVID-19 situation.
• February 10: Some regions, with lower case counts, begin transitioning back to the Green-Prevent and Yellow-Protect levels of the reopening framework.
• February 11: The Ontario government confirms the first case of the B.1.1.7 variant (Alpha) in the province.
• February 22: The stay-at-home order is extended for Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, and North Bay Parry Sound District until at least March 8.

March 2021:

• March 8: Toronto, Peel Region, and York Region move into the "Grey-Lockdown" level of the provincial framework, with some restrictions eased.
• March 15: The province announces the expansion of the vaccine rollout to include more age groups and essential workers.
• March 20: Concerns grow over the rapid spread of variants of concern, particularly the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant.
• March 29: The Ontario government places all regions into a province-wide "shutdown" for a period of 28 days, effective April 3, to combat rising cases driven by variants.

April 2021:

• April 1: The province enters a province-wide shutdown, with tightened restrictions on businesses and gatherings.
• April 7: The Ontario government issues a stay-at-home order for a second time in 2021, effective April 8, as the pandemic continues to worsen.
• April 16: Restrictions are further tightened as Ontario moves to the "Enhanced Measures" level of the shutdown, including increased enforcement and further limitations on gatherings.
• April 20: The Ontario government requests assistance from the federal government and other provinces to address the strain on its healthcare system.
• April 23: Interprovincial travel is restricted, with borders closed to all but essential travel.
• April 29: The stay-at-home order is extended until at least May 20.

May 2021:

• May 3: Ontario schools remain closed, with no immediate return to in-person learning announced.
• May 6: The province extends the stay-at-home order until at least June 2.
• May 13: Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations expands to include individuals aged 18 and older.
• May 20: The Ontario government announces a three-stage reopening plan, based on vaccination rates and public health indicators.
• May 22: Outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses and tennis courts, are allowed to reopen.

June 2021:

• June 2: The stay-at-home order is lifted, and Ontario enters Step One of its reopening plan on June 11.
• June 11: Step One of the reopening plan begins, allowing for outdoor dining, non-essential retail with capacity limits, and limited outdoor gatherings.
• June 30: Ontario enters Step Two of the reopening plan, allowing for indoor dining, personal care services, and increased capacity limits for retail and gatherings.

July 2021:

• July 16: Ontario enters Step Three of the reopening plan, further easing restrictions on businesses, gatherings, and events.
• July 20: The province announces a plan to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible residents by the end of the summer.
• July 30: Mask mandates remain in place for indoor public settings.

August 2021:

• August 13: The Ontario government releases a back-to-school plan for the fall, with a focus on in-person learning and safety measures.
• August 25: The province mandates COVID-19 vaccinations or regular testing for workers in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, long-term care homes, and schools.
• August 31: Preparations are underway for the return of students to in-person learning in September.

September 2021:

• September 7: Most schools across Ontario reopen for in-person learning.
• September 22: Ontario introduces a vaccine certificate system, requiring proof of vaccination to access certain non-essential services, such as restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues.

October 2021:

• October 13: The Ontario government announces a plan to gradually lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions based on vaccination rates and public health indicators.
• October 25: Capacity limits are lifted for many businesses and venues where proof of vaccination is required.

November 2021:

• November 15: The province outlines a plan to gradually lift the remaining COVID-19 restrictions by March 2022, provided public health indicators remain stable.
• November 22: Changes are made to the vaccine certificate system to allow for QR code verification.

December 2021:

• December 10: The emergence of the Omicron variant raises concerns, leading to renewed efforts to accelerate vaccine booster campaigns.
• December 15: Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses is expanded.
• December 17: New public health measures are introduced to slow the spread of the Omicron variant, including capacity limits for large venues and increased testing.
• December 31: The Ontario government announces a return to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen, effective January 5, 2022, in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. This includes closing indoor dining, gyms, and cinemas.